Bernalillo County commissioners approved an item Tuesday to keep housing voucher rates unchanged for 2026, rejecting a federal decrease that officials warned would harm low-income renters. The county will maintain current subsidy levels, which average 2.9% above the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s fair market rents, to help tenants stay competitive in a […]
Housing & Homelessness
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Albuquerque’s Gateway Center hits a turning point in homelessness response
The City of Albuquerque announced Tuesday that the Gateway Center reached full capacity for the first time since its late-2025 expansion, placing nearly 200 people on a path toward stable housing through intensive support services. The Gibson location now serves 192 residents — 100 women and 92 men — who commit to behavioral intervention and […]
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Albuquerque’s nightly outreach hits record as winter temperatures plunge
Albuquerque Community Safety transported a record 1,230 people experiencing homelessness to shelter in December, helping protect lives during extreme winter temperatures. The total is the highest since the service relaunched in November 2025, a 136% increase from the previous month and a 92% jump from December 2024. The surge reflects rising community need and an […]
Posted inHousing & Homelessness, Pueblos
Flu hospitalizations eclipse COVID as flu season hits New Mexico
Just in time for some of the busiest days for travel and family get-togethers, flu season is hitting New Mexico hard. National flu surveillance published by the Centers for Disease Control ranks New Mexico’s flu activity as “high” for the week ending Dec. 13. That puts the Land of Enchantment among the top 1/3 of […]
Posted inCourts, Justice & Safety, Housing & Homelessness
Estancia’s economic fate hinges on expired detention facility contract
Former Estancia Mayor Nathan Dial expressed concern for the town’s economy if the Torrance County Detention Facility ceases operation, as newly released data shows a surge and decline in detainees during the contract period. The six-month contract between CoreCivic and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement was enacted in April and expired at the end of […]
Posted inHousing & Homelessness, Westside Albuquerque
Torrance County to receive rural health care funding
CHRISTUS St. Vincent will receive state funding to expand primary care services in Torrance County as part of a $20 million statewide rural health care initiative, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham announced. The health system is one of 32 rural organizations selected for fiscal year 2026 awards from the state’s Rural Health Care Delivery Fund. “These […]
Posted inHousing & Homelessness, Westside Albuquerque
Tribal Health Center Serving Sandoval County Among Rural Care Grant Recipients
The Cañoncito Band of Navajo Health Center will receive state funding to expand primary care services on tribal land in Sandoval and Cibola counties, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham announced. The To’hajiilee-based health center is among 32 rural organizations statewide that will share $20 million in fiscal year 2026 awards from the Rural Health Care Delivery […]
Posted inCongress & Federal Gov., Housing & Homelessness
Cedar Crest community unites to help with Trail Rider Pizza renovation
Just over three months after the Greenside Cafe closed, Trail Rider Pizza owner Ashlea Cook will take over the space in an expansion of the locally cherished dining spot. “We are in full renovation mode,” Cook told The Independent. Cook, who will celebrate her 20th anniversary in the business next month, has been seeking to […]
Posted inHousing & Homelessness, Local Gov.
No runoff? Estancia mayoral election causes confusion as Riley overtakes incumbent
Estancia Mayor Runnel Riley was sworn into his position on Dec. 15 after overtaking the incumbent mayor, Nathan Dial, by just a few votes, prompting a recount and confusion from the community and Dial himself about the runoff process in New Mexico. After the initial count, Dial and write-in candidate Boyd Vardy each had 63 […]
Posted inHousing & Homelessness, Westside Albuquerque
Sandoval County Animal Services to host holiday adoption event
Sandoval County Animal Services will host its Holiday Adoption Extravaganza on Saturday, Dec. 20, offering families the chance to adopt dogs in time for the holidays. The event will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Bernalillo Community Museum and will feature adoptable canines, a visiting Santa Dog and community partners. Families who […]